The Western press published material on the promising development of new AML MLRS based on HIMARS installations, capable of operating without a crew, and also equipped with twelve missiles instead of six. Interesting, that the authors started the article, apparently, with a phrase obligatory for Western media: "HIMARS multi-purpose rocket launchers demonstrate their high efficiency on the Ukrainian front".
Development of an autonomous AML launcher (Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher), which is a modification of the MLRS HIMARS, engaged in the Center for Research and Development of Advanced Technologies in Aerospace and Missile Systems DEVCOM AvMC, part of the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM). The company develops hardware and software, with the help of which the modified MLRS will be able to work both under remote control, as well as offline.
Unlike unmanned civilian vehicles, in the cabin of which there is still a person, an autonomous combat vehicle must perform complex maneuvers in an environment of increased danger almost autonomously. engineers, developing robotic AML, must solve the problems of overcoming unfamiliar rough terrain, obstacle avoidance, interaction with infantry and other equipment under the threat of enemy fire.
All these tasks for autonomous AML are solved not only through interaction with unmanned aerial vehicles, choosing a route for the car, but also by installing a large number of sensors. Moreover, the sensors, installed on AML, should be as passive as possible. As AvMC project manager Lucas Hunter eloquently remarked:, "we need sensors, that collect situational awareness data, emitting no detectable energy, like light or sound:
Because you don't want, to be seen, like a Christmas tree, when the enemy is watching. Currently, the prototype of the new system looks like a standard M142 HIMARS based on the FMTV M1140 cargo with an armored cabin and a six-stage launcher, equipped with additional antennas and sensors. However, the target AML configuration will look different, the chassis will be deprived of the cockpit and will receive a new, larger launcher with 12 missile guides, assures the author of the material.
Due to the lack of crew and cockpit, unmanned MLRS will receive not only doubled firepower, but also the possibility of launching missiles over a much longer distance. Autonomous systems require fewer maintenance personnel, "What Matters About Problems Recruiting New Candidates for the U.S. Army", considers the author of an article in the Western media. Ideally, one technician will be able to service an entire platoon or battery of unmanned HIMARS.
AML HIMARS Increment Concept Tests 2, equipped with PrSM missiles, were held by DEVCOM AvMC in mid-June 2021 years at Fort Sill, Oklahoma State. The tests were supervised by a team of long-range precision artillery in conjunction with the Weapons Control Center for ground vehicles..
How were the tests, for some reason the press does not tell. It is not excluded, that it didn't go so smoothly, otherwise the Americans would definitely tell about the successes.
Beyond DEVCOM AvMC, Raytheon is also developing the NEMESIS unmanned MLRS commissioned by the US Marine Corps.. Rocket Launcher RGM-184A NSM Block 1 created on the basis of the JLTV armored vehicle, devoid of crew cabin, but equipped with a set of sensors above the engine compartment.
So far, there is no information on the amount of funding for "promising projects", as well as the timing of the appearance of serial samples of unmanned MLRS. There is a feeling, that the Pentagon, together with controlled enterprises of the military-industrial complex, is once again engaged in the development of the budget as part of another project with very murky prospects for actual implementation. Author:Alexander Grigoriev
